Chicago Bears: 5 Players With the Most to Prove in 2014

Chicago Bears: 5 Players With the Most to Prove in 2014

The Chicago Bears have plenty of players that need to step up in 2014 if the team hopes to contend for a title, but there are a few select guys that have a bit more to prove than the others.

5. Alshon Jeffery, WR

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5. Alshon Jeffery, WR

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After leading the team in receiving yards and making his first Pro Bowl in 2013, how much could Jeffery have left to prove? The answer to that is whether or not he can continue to dominate the way he did in 2013. Playing alongside Brandon Marshall, Jeffery got plenty of good coverage match-ups, which could change in 2014 as teams recognize his skills. Jeffery will need to show that he can over come this in 2014.

4. Jared Allen, DE

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4. Jared Allen, DE

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Heading into his 11th NFL season, Allen will need to prove that he can still produce at a level that justifies his new contract. The Bears finished last in the league in sacks in 2013, and they are betting that Allen will be the catalyst to their newly refurbished defensive line. Allen will need to prove that his age is just a number and that he can continue to produce sacks in bunches.

3. Shea McClellin, LB

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3. Shea McClellin, LB

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In his first season playing linebacker in the NFL, McClellin will need to prove that he isn't a waste of a first round draft pick. After two lackluster seasons at defensive end the Bears moved McClellin to LB, where they are short on depth and desperately need him to succeed in 2014. McClellin has a lot of pressure on his shoulders heading into 2014, though he has shown thus far that he is athletic enough to play LB in the NFL.

2. Chris Conte, S

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2. Chris Conte, S

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After a lackluster 2013 campaign, Conte underwent shoulder surgery and has been rehabbing all summer. After the Bears brought in several free agent safeties and drafted Brock Vereen in the fourth round, Conte will have plenty to prove if he hopes to retain his starting position in 2014.

1. Jay Cutler, QB

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1. Jay Cutler, QB

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Of course the QB has the biggest spotlight on him at all times, though Cutler will need to prove plenty in 2014. One of the biggest concerns about Cutler is whether he can stay healthy for an entire 16 game season. If he can stay on the field all season the Bears have a great shot at making a run in the playoffs. Cutler will also need to prove his grasp of Marc Trestman's offense as he enters his second season in the system.